As a caregiver, there are so many decisions you're going to have to make, and some of those decisions can feel really heavy. They can feel really big. These are decisions like whether or not to put your loved one in a care facility, maybe put your loved one in respite, or even taking your loved one on vacation with you.

How do you make the right decision?

In today's video, I want to walk you through a simple three step process you can go through whenever you are faced with making any decision. And the best news possible is that no matter what the outcome is of that decision, you don't have to feel bad or guilty about it at all, and you never, ever again have to think to yourself, "I made the wrong decision."

Are you ready? Let's get started.

If you would rather watch a video on this topic, click here. 

One of the reasons people struggle with making a decision is because they have in their mind that there is a right decision or there is a wrong decision....

Careblazer, I don't know if you can hear it right now, but there is a major storm happening right outside of my window, but I am not gonna let that stop me from recording another video for you. So if you hear like some wind helling or blowing, that's because there is a major storm happening right now in Phoenix, Arizona.

Okay, So in this post today, I wanna talk about something that is blocking the behavior change you want to see in your loved one with dementia, the number one. Reason That stops a lot of caregivers from being able to figure out what is going to change the behavior, what is actually going to get the person with dementia to change is you labeling the behavior.

If you would rather watch a video on this topic, click here.

You interpreting the behavior. This is what I mean. But let's take one of the big examples. So many people struggle with the person with dementia, might not want to shower or bathe. When I work with some of my clients...

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with hundreds of people with dementia and their families personally on a one to one basis. 

I’ve worked with thousands in the online space through my private programs. 

And more informally, i’ve had some contact and communication with thousands more caregivers through social media- things like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram

Over the years, I’ve started to notice some general themes on what’s made the difference between the caregivers who burn out, give up, and barely recognize themselves in the mirror. And the caregivers that somehow seem to be managing, Somehow are holding on, maybe even doing things they enjoy. 

And it’s not what you would think. Many people think the ones doing the best are the ones with more help, money, and time. And while I wished that for everyone and it would be helpful, it’s not what makes the difference. I’ve worked with...

In this short post, I wanna explain the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia so that you never confuse the two of them. Again, there's a lot of confusion about these two terms, and it's no wonder because a lot of the times nobody is really taking the time to explain the difference. So that's what I wanna do here today.

If you would rather watch a video on this topic, click here.

And in order to do that, I want to use the example of cancer. So when you hear that somebody has cancer, you immediately know that person is sick, but you're not quite sure. What type of cancer it is. Could it be lung cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, or brain cancer, or any of the other cancers? The same thing is true.

When you hear the words dementia, it means that you would know somebody is having problems with their thinking and their functioning, but it doesn't tell you what type is it. Alzheimer's, Lewy body, vascular, frontal temporal, or any of the other dementias out...

Hey there Careblazer. Today I want to talk about a topic that can be difficult for some. The decision of if your loved one with dementia should be a full code, do not resuscitate (DNR) or do not intubate (DNI). Now if you are sitting there scratching your head, you are not alone! These phrases and words are often thrown around in the medical field but not often explained well or at all.

 Each of these terms have to do with end of life care. 

Making sure that you have made these wishes known to your LOWD’s providers ensures that their wishes are being honored at the end of their life. 

In previous videos I have talked about advanced care planning. This is a little bit of a deeper look at terms that are often used in advanced care planning. If you have not watched those videos, I’ll include the links to them below this one. 

We are often asked to make decisions about the care of our LOWD but it is very hard to...

In this post I want to talk about two different places you can focus your attention. 

One will make caregiving much harder than it has to be. (please don’t choose this one)

The other will make a difficult journey much easier for you. 

After reading this post and trying this out- you can take it a step further by joining me in my Make Caregiving Easier experience at makecaregivingeasier.com and let’s keep the ball rolling.

If you would rather watch a video on this topic, click here.

I was talking to a friend recently and she was telling  me about a book (in full disclosure I have NOT read this book…yet). And it has nothing to do with caregiving…BUT the concept she shared with me was incredibly helpful to me AND I think it can be helpful to any caregiver. 

The book was called The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and it's a business book. 

BUT, the concept my friend shared was this: In life there is...

Has your person with dementia ever believed somethign that wasn’t true? Like that people are stealing things when it’s really that they are misplacing them or losing them?

Or maybe even that they see someone in the house, even though no one else is there? 

These are knowns as Delusions and Hallucinations. These are common symptoms that can happen in any dementia. And they are actually two different things, although many people confuse the two. 

Today I’m going to share what’s the difference between these two symptoms and how you’ll be able to know whether person you’re caring for has either one or both of these symptoms. AND most importantly, I’ll share some big do’s and don’t when trying to respond, because if you’ve even tried to tell someone what they are believing or seeing isn’t real then you know that usually makes things much worse. I don’t want that to happen to...

Hey there Careblazer. 

Today I want to talk about loneliness and isolation and this applies to both you and your LOWD, so wear both hats when reading this post. 

If you would rather watch a video on this topic, click here. 

So what do you think of when I ask, "what does it mean to be lonely?" Likely, you think of the obvious: it means to be alone. But I want you to think about this more. What does it mean to be lonely? I have had one Careblazer describe it as feeling like you are surrounded by people but no one can hear you. Yet another has said that it feels like sadness and depression. While others have described loneliness as being physically distanced from people, which is closer to the definition of social isolation.  

So why does this matter? Beyond the obvious reason that loneliness and social isolation are not fun to experience, there is research to show that this impacts not only your mental health but also your...

Hey there Careblazer, 

I think we can all agree sleep is important. We all know that tired, confused, sometimes even nauseous feeling that comes with not getting enough sleep and, as you probably guessed, sleep is particularly important for your LOWD BUT do you know the impact that light can have on sleep?

Today I want to spend some time talking about some of the facts about sleep and dementia and the research on the importance of light to sleep. 

If you would rather watch a video on this topic, click here. 

Let’s start with some basic facts about sleep:

About half of older adults and approximately 60-70% of people with mild cognitive impairment and dementia experience some form of sleep disturbance. This means the odds are your LOWD falls into this category. 

Various studies have shown that when an individual with dementia has problems with their sleep they are more likely to have more severe thinking problems, greater mood...

Hey there Careblazer. Today I want to talk about traveling with your LOWD. Under regular circumstances traveling can be stressful and require a lot of planning. Many people worry about being in a public place and how their LOWD might react. Last week (or whenever the other one is done), I gave you my top 5 tips for traveling with your LOWD. Today, I want to talk about a potential resource to explore when traveling. It can be controversial for some but is worth considering if it may be right for you. 

If you would rather watch a video on this topic, click here.

So as I mentioned this idea is somewhat controversial but you can consider using the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard. Today I want to review with you what the Sunflower Lanyard is, why some people consider it controversial, and how it could potentially be helpful for you and your LOWD. 

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard is very much like it sounds. It is a green lanyard with...